Alabama offensive linemen Alfred McCullough (52) and Aaron Douglas (77) take a break during the second spring football practice session in Tuscaloosa, Ala., Wednesday, March 23, 2011. (The Birmingham News/Mark Almond)

TUSCALOOSA -- Arguably the most versatile offensive lineman at Alabama has been rewarded with an opportunity to compete for a starting job.

On Wednesday, 6-foot-2, 311-pound Alfred McCullough was still working with the first group of offensive linemen alongside left guard Chance Warmack.

McCullough, who began his Crimson Tide career on defense, earned his first start last season at right offensive tackle against Ole Miss, replacing injured D.J. Fluker. He made three straight starts and earned praise before Fluker's return.

This spring, McCullough has spent his days battling junior college transfer Aaron Douglas, a former Tennessee freshman All-American, to replace two-year starter James Carpenter at left offensive tackle.

Douglas (6-7, 275) was brought in to play left tackle. McCullough is doing his best to earn the job himself.

"Alfred obviously has a little bit more experience, knows the offense a little bit better, but Aaron's making nice progress as well," Alabama coach Nick Saban said. "We feel really good about the way some of the tackle prospects on our team have progressed."

Many people don't grasp the challenges McCullough has faced playing so many different roles.

"I think Alfred McCullough has done a really good job so far," right guard Barrett Jones said. "Aaron Douglas has been playing there, too. I think there's a lot of guys that I think have a chance to play there. Everybody's competing really hard for it."

McCullough is a standout to teammates who respect his knowledge of the various positions and his familiarity with the defensive philosophy.

"A lot of guys don't realize how intelligent Alfred is," Jones said. "Alfred's an extremely smart guy. I think he knows every position but center in the line. He was probably there at one point in time in his career. He's extremely smart and has done a great job this year of getting settled. And I think that's been a big part of that consistency of playing at one spot that's helped him."

McCullough also impresses with his athleticism and abilities battling the defense.

"He plays with low pad leverage," defensive end Damion Square said. "He's a hustler. He's quick because he used to be a D-lineman. He's very quick off the ball. He can disguise his protection and things like that. McCullough is a very smart player, very smart technique-type guy."

Linebacker Dont'a Hightower agreed with that assessment and said going against McCullough gives the defensive linemen a challenge.

"With him playing defensive line and then moving to offense, he knows some of the pass rushes and the way we want to set things up," Hightower said. "He's always one step ahead. It makes it great to always go against him."